CLASS OF 2013: Josh Rancourt is Richbourg School’s sole graduate

Richbourg School graduate Josh Rancourt is flanked by his parents, Merlita and James, and, from left, Richbourg principal Barry Blackburn, school board member Melissa Thrush and Okaloosa School District superintendent Mary Beth Jackson.

BRIAN HUGHES / News Bulletin

By BRIAN HUGHES / News Bulletin

Published: Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 06:26 PM.

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa County's graduation season is officially underway, with one ceremony down and three — Baker School, Crestview High School and Laurel Hill School — to go.

Joshua Rancourt, Richbourg School’s sole senior and graduate, earned his diploma on Friday. Friends, family members, school district officials, teachers and classmates gathered in neighboring Northwood Elementary School's gymnasium for the ceremony.

Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson praised Josh, 22, for embodying the spirit of the Richbourg Lions, likening the school's students and educators to a lion pride, or family.

"Continue to be a family," she said. "Continue to love one another. That's the most important thing you can do."

Josh’s father, James Rancourt, said he and his wife, Merlita, have yet to finalize post-graduation plans for their son.

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa County's graduation season is officially underway, with one ceremony down and three — Baker School, Crestview High School and Laurel Hill School — to go.

Joshua Rancourt, Richbourg School’s sole senior and graduate, earned his diploma on Friday. Friends, family members, school district officials, teachers and classmates gathered in neighboring Northwood Elementary School's gymnasium for the ceremony.

Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson praised Josh, 22, for embodying the spirit of the Richbourg Lions, likening the school's students and educators to a lion pride, or family.

"Continue to be a family," she said. "Continue to love one another. That's the most important thing you can do."

Josh’s father, James Rancourt, said he and his wife, Merlita, have yet to finalize post-graduation plans for their son.